Product Description

As the role of an Elizabethan theatre entrepreneur trying to put on plays, the object is to acquire Shakespeare's scripts, form companies, and acquire props and large sums of money to enable these productions. Throughout the game, there are opportunities to earn money by answering questions on Shakespeare's plays (trivia) as well as reading short extracts of his plays (performance). There are also opportunities to trade, pick a fight with your rival, or flirt with a neighbor to persuade them to participate in future endeavors. Meanwhile, Fate cards are drawn to either help or hinder play, adding an interesting twist. The goal is to earn the most Acclaim Points by the end of the game (based on plays and assets).

The game was consulted for accuracy by Professor Peter Holland, ex-head of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford- the leading center in the world for Shakespearean Studies. He is now a tenured Professor of English at Notre Dame in the US.

Shakespeare: The Bard Game is by Richard Heffer and Mike Siggins. Richard Heffer is a well known actor whose memorable performance of Hamlet at Oxford in the 1960's was highly acclaimed. He also starred in the TV drama "Colditz" and helped design the (famous) board game based on the series. Mike Siggins is a professional board game designer and games journalist.

Product Reviews

We bought this game when visiting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in
Ashland, OR. We enjoyed playing it so much by ourselves, we organized
a party when we got home for some of our friends. Kids and Adults
enjoyed it.

A great way to celebrate the plays, strategy, performance skills,
silly attempts and History.

Well thought out and researched, unusual in it's variability and
adaptability, it can be played in a straight forward manner (for
first-timers) and with some craftiness as the game is mastered.
Suggestion: They should print the basic rules on the inside of the box
lid.

Suggestion: They should provide a diagram for how to store the many
pieces efficiently in the provided holders. We still can't get some of
the cards to fit where they appear to go.
(All minor points.)

NB: Some of the markers (especially the "Acclaim" markers) are easy to
lose/swallow and should be kept away from small children.

A game that actually educates and enlightens in addition to
entertaining you. Well worth the money.

Other Resources for Shakespeare: The Bard Game:

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